How to Fix a Chain Saw Rewind Spring

Chainsaws use a pull cord starting mechanism to reduce the weight of the unit. The pull start allows the operator to fire the chainsaw's engine with the quick pull of a rope. The rope turns over the engine and starts the saw. The rope automatically recoils into the saw with the help of a rewind spring. After many years of use, this spring requires changing to properly pull in the cord.

Hex head keys
Screwdriver
Recoil spring

Instructions

- 1
  Loosen the hex head screws that fasten the starting mechanism to the chainsaw by turning them counterclockwise. Pull the mechanism off the chainsaw.
- 2
  Push the cord near the handle so its knot comes out the other end. Untie the knot and pull the handle off the cord.
- 3
  Lay the starting mechanism on a work bench and remove the "C" clip that holds the recoil to the case. This is done by prying the "C" clip backward with a screwdriver.
- 4
  Pull off the large washer, spring and starter pause and carefully remove the spool. Try not to disturb the spring underneath.
- 5
  Pull the spring carefully from the housing with you hands as to not allow it to unspool.
- 6
  Insert the new recoil spring in the same orientation as the original one and reassemble the starting mechanism, reversing the process used to remove it.

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